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Intersil’s Ultra-Low Distortion Stereo Audio Switch Cures Clicks and Pops in MP3 Players and Cell Phones

Intersil’s ISL54406 Stereo Audio Switch Delivers Low Total Harmonic Distortion,~Audio Muting and “Click and Pop” Elimination on Just 7 Microamps of Supply Current

MILPITAS, CA, Jan 15, 2009 – Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors, today introduced the ISL54406. This highly integrated, ultra-low distortion stereo audio switch eliminates unwanted clicks and pops typically caused by powering up and down, muting on and off, and switching between audio sources. The combination of audio performance and reduction in external components makes the ISL54406 the ideal choice for compact MP3 players, docking speaker systems, cell phones, portable DVD players and sound cards.

Superior audio performance is achieved on several levels. First, the ISL54406 delivers Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of just 0.015 percent at 1mW into a 32Ω load. The low THD switching path can be interrupted to provide >110dB of off-isolation for signal muting purposes into 32Ω or high impedance loads which are  typical in consumer and automotive entertainment systems.  Recovery from muting is instantaneous even with very large DC blocking capacitors.

This unique instant-on capability needs no timing capacitor and requires only 7 microamps of supply current. The ISL54406 provides both active and standby modes of operation with the standby mode reducing the supply current to a maximum of 5 nanoamps. This minimizes current drain in devices such as portable MP3 players that are placed in a ‘hibernation’ mode when not in use.

The ISL54406’s comprehensive “click and pop” elimination scheme effectively isolates low and high impedance loads from audio spikes and glitches and requires no external timing components to deal with DC blocking capacitors placed between the single supply codec and the load.

Pricing and Availability

The ISL54406 is available now in 1.8mm x 1.4mm μTQFN packages, with prices starting at $0.51 each in 1,000-piece quantities.   A 10 Ld 3 x 3 TDFN version is priced at $0.61 each, and the 10 Ld 3 x 3 TDFN T+R version is priced at $0.64 each, both in 1,000-unit quantities.

For more ISL54406 information: http://www.intersil.com/products/ISL54406.html

About Intersil’s Precision Analog Switch Products
Intersil has a broad portfolio of analog switches that provide excellent performance across the entire input voltage range. Each new device incorporates more than 30 years of market experience into its design. Precision analog switches and MUXs from Intersil meet today's design challenges for low-voltage, low on-resistance and smaller packaging. Intersil leads in technology innovation with the industry's lowest-distortion MP3/USB 2.0 Voice and High Speed Data switches, the ISL54209 and ISL54213, designed for handheld applications. To learn more about Intersil’s broad switching portfolio, visit Intersil’s Analog Switches, Multiplexers and Crosspoint Switches page at http://www.intersil.com/en/products/switches-muxs-crosspoints.html.

Intersil Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog, mixed-signal and power management semiconductors. The company's products address some of the fastest growing markets within the industrial and infrastructure, personal computing and high-end consumer markets. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit our website and career page at www.intersil.com.